Top 5 TV Time Shifting Technologies

For most of us, connecting our Internet service and television viewing is well on its way to becoming a reality. Since cable, broadcast and Internet all arrive over the same wires, new systems have been developed to bridge the gap and provide access to all your media at once.

Several systems now provide these services, either directly or through third-party dedicated devices, or as a feature of high-tech gaming systems like Xbox Live. Because many have specific features and connect to different media services, you'll have to research which works best for you.

For example, Boxee searches the Internet to find shows you're looking for, then streams them to your TV. Apple TV streams HD media from iTunes (for a price) and from your Netflix queue, as well as providing access to your own files, music and photos. Google TV connects to your TV, DVR and Internet, and then uses its search capacity to provide you with media from all three sources. Slingbox reverses the stream, putting your home's TV onto your computer or mobile device, while Roku streams your subscription services -- like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu -- to your TV, for about $60.